Jordan Authorities Refuse to Open Bethlehem Road for Use of Pilgrims During Christmas

December 22, 1950

JERUSALEM (Dec. 21)

The Jordan authorities in Palestine have rejected an Israel suggestion that the Bethlehem road be opened to all pilgrims during the Christmas period.

The result of the refusal will be that only the members of Jerusalem’s consular corps will be permitted to use this road and all other Christian pilgrims from Tel Aviv and elsewhere, including diplomats and clergyman, will have to travel via the Old City and an Arab Legion military road — a much longer route.